Polycarbonates made using highly selective catalysts

ABSTRACT

Poly(propylene carbonates) are prepared from propylene oxide and CO 2  with less than 10% cyclic propylene carbonate by product using cobalt based catalysts of structure 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     preferably in combination with salt cocatalyst, very preferably cocatalyst where the cation is PPN +  and the anion is Cl −  or OBzF 5   − . Novel products include poly(propylene carbonates) having a stereoregularity greater than 90% and/or a regioregularity of greater than 90%.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/616,630, filed Oct. 8, 2004, the whole of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The invention was made at least in part with U.S. Government support under National Science Foundation Contract No. DMR-0079992. The U.S. Government has certain rights in the invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention is directed at high selectivity cobalt containing catalysts for producing poly(alkylene carbonates) from alkylene oxide and carbon dioxide, to a process for producing polycarbonates using the catalysts and to polycarbonates produced thereby.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The generalized mechanism of CO₂/epoxide copolymerization involves two steps, namely epoxide ring opening by a metal carbonate followed by CO₂ insertion into a metal alkoxide. When aliphatic epoxides such as propylene oxide are used, a common side-product is the cyclic carbonate. The most active catalysts, namely [Zn(BDI)OAc] and [Cr(salph)Cl]/DMAP, reported to date, produce 10-30% of unwanted cyclic propylene carbonate (CPC) by-product, under optimized conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been discovered herein that catalysts of sufficient activity for commercial production and which have selectivity of greater than 90:1 poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) to CPC, often greater than 99:1 PPC to CPC, are enantiomerically pure cobalt catalysts, e.g., (salen)Co^(III) (X) complexes and the like.

In a first embodiment herein, there are provided cobalt containing compounds useful as catalysts for CO₂/C₂-C₁₀ alkylene oxide copolymerization with little or no cyclic alkylene carbonate by-product. These compounds have the structural formula:

where R¹ is a hydrocarbon bridge which may be substituted with C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, halogen (e.g., Cl, Br, I), nitro, cyano or amine; where R², R³ and R⁴ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and C₁-C₂₀ fluorocarbon and where R² and R³ or R³ and R⁴ can form a ring which can be substituted with H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl C₆-C₂₀ aryl substituted with C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, phenoxy, C₁-C₂₀ carboxylate, C₁-C₂₀ acyl, amino, C₁-C₂₀ fluoroalkyl, cyano, nitro or halogen (e.g., Cl, Br, I) or a solid support and where X is any nucleophile which can ring open an epoxide.

The term “solid support” as used herein refers to a soluble or insoluble polymeric structure, such as crosslinked polystyrene, or an inorganic structure, e.g., of silica or alumina.

The cases of X being nitro-substituted phenoxide are excluded when R¹ is 1,2-cyclohexanediyl to avoid disclosure in Lu, X-B, et al, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed 43, 3574-3577 (2004).

For the structure where X is Br, R¹ is ethyl and R³ and R⁴ form a phenyl ring, the case is excluded where the substituents on the phenyl ring on carbons which are not also part of another ring, are all H, because this compound has been found to be inactive in producing poly(propylene carbonate).

For the structure where X is Br, R¹ is 1,2-cyclohexanediyl and R³ and R⁴ form a phenyl ring, the case is excluded where substituents on carbon on the phenyl ring which is not also part of another ring and is closest to O is not H, because this compound has been found to be inactive in producing poly(propylene carbonate).

In another embodiment, denoted the second embodiment, there is provided a catalyst system for use in catalyzing the copolymerization of C₂-C₁₀ alkylene oxide, and carbon dioxide to produce poly(C₂-C₁₀ alkylene carbonate), e.g., poly(propylene carbonate), with less than 10% cyclic alkylene carbonate, e.g., cyclic propylene carbonate, by-product, comprising compound of the first embodiment as catalyst and a salt cocatalyst which is bulky and non-coordinating where the cation is any bulky cation, e.g., a phosphorus and/or nitrogen based cation, e.g., [R₄N]⁺, [R₄N]⁺, [R₃P═N═PR₃]⁺ or [P[NR₃]₃]³⁺ where R is C₁-C₂₀ alkyl or C₆-C₂₀ aryl or a solid support, where the unsupported cation or the ionic portion of a supported cation has a molecular weight ranging, for example, from 750 g/mol to 2000 g/mol, and the anion is a nucleophile which can ring open an epoxide, and the R groups can be the same or different.

In another embodiment, denoted the third embodiment, there is provided a method for preparing poly(C₂-C₁₀ alkylene carbonate)s, e.g., poly(propylene carbonate), by copolymerization of C₂-C₁₀ alkylene oxide, e.g., propylene oxide, and carbon dioxide with less than 10% cyclic C₂-C₁₀ alkylene carbonate, e.g. cyclic propylene carbonate, by-product, comprising the step of reacting C₂-C₁₀ alkylene oxide and carbon dioxide at a CO₂ pressure ranging from 1 to 1,000 psi, a reaction temperature of 0 to 150° C. and a reaction time of 0.1 to 50 hours, in the presence of a catalyst which is compound of the first embodiment at alkylene oxide to catalyst ratio on a cobalt basis ranging from 200:1 to 100,000:1

In another embodiment, denoted the fourth embodiment, there is provided a method for preparing poly(C₂-C₁₀ alkylene carbonate), e.g., poly(propylene carbonate), with less than 10% cyclic alkylene carbonate, e.g., cyclic propylene carbonate by-product, comprising the step of reacting C₂-C₁₀ alkylene oxide, e.g., propylene oxide, and CO₂ at a CO₂ pressure ranging from 1 psi to 300 psi, a reaction temperature of 0 to 100° C., and a reaction time of 0.1 to 50 hours, e.g., 0.5 to 4 hours, in the presence of the catalyst system of the second embodiment, where the ratio of alkylene oxide to cocatalyst to catalyst ranges from 500-100,000:0.5-1.5:0.5-1.5

In another embodiment, denoted the fifth embodiment, there is provided poly(propylene carbonate) of M_(n) ranging from 500 to 1,000,000 g/mol and polydispersity index (PDI) ranging from 1.05 to 5.0, e.g., 1.05 to 1.30, with greater than 90% head-to-tail linkages. In one case, the polymer has random stereochemistry. In another case, more than 90% of adjacent stereocenters have the same relative stereochemistry (isotactic).

In another embodiment, denoted the sixth embodiment, there is provided poly(propylene carbonate) of M_(n) ranging from 500 to 1,000,000 g/mol and PDI ranging from 1.05 to 5.0, e.g., 1.05 to 1.30, where greater than 90% of the stereocenters are of the same stereochemistry.

The molecular weight of the polycarbonate can be increased within the stated range by longer polymerization times. The molecular weight of the polycarbonate can be decreased within the range by the addition of chain transfer agents in the form of carboxylic acids (e.g. pentafluorobenzoic acid), alcohols (e.g. methanol), dicarboxylic acids, diols, poly acids, polyols, and their deprotonated forms (e.g., sodium pentafluorobenzoate) and other additives known to promote chain transfer. The polymerization can also be conducted in solvent.

M_(n) and PDI here are determined by gel permeation chromatography in tetrahydrofuran at 40° C., calibrated with polystyrene standards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an example of the first embodiment

in the structure (I) is selected from the group consisting of:

where R⁵ and R⁶ can be the same or different and are H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, halogen (e.g., F, Cl, Br, I), nitro, cyano, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy or amine.

X in the formula (I) can be selected, for example, from the group consisting of C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogen (e.g., Cl, Br, I), C₁-C₂₀ amido, cyano, azide, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl carboxylate, C₆-C₂₀ aryl carboxylate, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxide and phenoxide.

In one case, the compounds have the structure:

where R is selected from the group consisting of Br, H and ^(t)Bu.

In an overlapping case, the compounds have the structure

where X is Br, Cl, I, OAc, OBzCF₃ (p-trifluoromethylbenzoate) or OBzF₅ where OBzF₅ is 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzoate. The compound of structure (VIII) where X is OBzF₅ is novel.

In still another case, the compounds have the structure

where R¹¹ is ^(t)Bu and R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of H, Br and OMe; R¹¹ is Me and R¹⁰ is H; or R¹¹ is CPh(CH₃)₂ and R¹⁰ is CPh(CH₃)₂. The compounds are novel.

In still another case, the compound has the structure

This compound is novel.

-   -   In yet another case, the compounds have the structure

where R⁷ is Me, R⁸ is H and R⁹ is H; or where R⁷ is Me, R⁸ is Me and R⁹ is H; or where R⁷ is Ph, R⁸ is H and R⁹ is Ph.

The cobalt carboxylate compounds are made by adding oxygen and the appropriate carboxylic acid to the (salen)Co(II) complex. The cobalt halide compounds are made by reacting (salen)Co(III) tosylate complex with the appropriate sodium halide.

The term “salen” means any tetradentate ligand derived from a diamine and 2 equivalents of salicylaldeyde.

We turn now to the second embodiment.

Preferably the cocatalyst is a salt where the cation is

and the anion is selected from the group consisting of Cl⁻ and OBzF₅ ⁻ where OBzF₅ is 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzoate. [PPN][OBzF₅] is novel.

Catalyst systems used in reactions set forth in working examples are: catalyst system where the catalyst has the structural Formula (VIII) where X is OBzF₅ and the cocatalyst is [PPN]Cl; catalyst system where the catalyst has the structural Formula (VIII) where X is Cl and the cocatalyst is [PPN][OBzF₅]; catalyst system where the catalyst has the structural formula (VIII) where X is Cl and the cocatalyst is [PPN]Cl; and catalyst system where the cocatalyst is NBu₄Cl and the catalyst has the structural formula (VIII) where X is OBzF₅.

The [PPN]carboxylate complexes can be prepared by reacting [PPN]X with the appropriate sodium carboxylate.

We turn now to the third embodiment herein.

Preferably the CO₂ pressure ranges from 10 to 850 psi, the reaction temperature ranges from 20 to 25° C., the reaction time ranges from 0.5 to 4 hours, the catalyst has the structure (VIII) where X is Br, Cl or OBzF₅ and the alkylene oxide to catalyst ratio on a cobalt basis ranges from 400:1 to 600:1.

The alkylene oxide used herein can be, for example, rac-propylene oxide, or enantiomercially enriched-propylene oxide, e.g., S-propylene oxide or R-propylene oxide. Other epoxides such as butene oxide or cyclohexene oxide can also be employed.

We turn now to the fourth embodiment herein.

In a preferred case, the catalyst has the structural formula (VIII) where X is Cl and the cocatalyst is [PPN][OBzF₅].

In the experiments carried out, the propylene oxide was rac-propylene oxide.

We turn now to the fifth embodiment herein.

The polymers of the fifth embodiment can be made by the method of the fourth embodiment and working examples are set forth hereinafter.

We turn now to the sixth embodiment herein. The polymers of the sixth embodiment can be made by the methods of the third and fourth embodiments and working examples are set forth in Qin, Z., et al, Angew. Chem. Ind. Ed. 42, 5484-5487 (2003) and in working examples hereinafter.

The polymers of the fifth and sixth embodiments can be produced as crystalline polymers. Crystalline polymers have the advantage that they are mechanically strong and resist thermal deformation.

The polypropylene carbonates) produced herein can be converted to polyurethanes by reaction with polyacid, polyol or water to make a polypropylene carbonate) with two or more OR groups which in turn would be reacted with a diisocyanate to prepare polyurethane.

The invention is illustrated in Qin, Z., et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 42, 5484-5487 (2003) and in working examples below.

Working Example I Synthesis of (VII) Where R is Br, [(R,R)-(salen-8)CoOAc]

First (R,R)—N,N′-bis(5-bromo-3-tert-butyl-salicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine, [(R,R)-(salen-8)H₂], was synthesized as follows:

Under an atmosphere of nitrogen, to an aqueous solution of (R,R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane L-tartrate (1.321 g, 5.0 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (1.382 g, 10.0 mmol) in water (10 mL) was added ethanol (50 mL). The mixture was heated to 80° C., and to it was dropwise added 5-bromo-3-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, prepared by a modification of the methods described in Cavazzini, M., et al., Eur. J. Org. Chem. (2001), 4639-4649 and Lam, F., et al., J. Org. Chem. 61, 8414-8418 (1996) (2.571 g, 10.0 mmol) in THF (10 mL), resulting a yellow solution. After the mixture was stirred for 2 h and cooled down to room temperature, water (150 mL) was added to precipitate yellow crude title compound. The precipitate was redissolved in diethyl ether (100 mL) and washed with brine (100 mL), water (100 mL), and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, and then concentrated. A yellow crystalline product was obtained after recrystallization from ethanol. Yield: 2.60 g, 88%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 13.80 (s, 2H), 8.18 (s, 2H), 7.31 (d, ⁴J=2.0 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (d, ⁴J=2.0 Hz, 2H), 3.33 (br, 2H), 2.00 (br, 2H), 1.90 (br, 2H), 1.75 (M, 2H), 1.47 (m, 2H), 1.38 (s, 18H), ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz) δ 24.40, 39.31, 159.57, 164.68, LRMS (EI) Cald. 592, found 592.

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(5-bromo-3-tert-butyl salicylidene)-1,2-diamino cyclohexane cobalt (II), [(R,R)-(salen-8)Co], was prepared as follows:

To a solution of the ligand [(R,R)-(salen-8)H₂](1.777 g, 3.0 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) under nitrogen was added a solution of Co(OAc)₂ (0.708 g, 4 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) via a cannula, affording a dark red precipitate. The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 2 h. After the reaction mixture was cooled down to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) and passed through a celite pad to remove the excess Co(OAc)₂. Removing solvent of the filtrate afforded a dark red powder. Yield: 1.85 g, 95%. The molecular structure of this complex was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(5-bromo-3-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt (III) acetate, [(R,R)-(salen-8)CoOAc] was prepared as follows:

To a solution of the [(R,R)-(salen-8)Co] (1.750 g, 2.70 mmol) in toluene (15 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) was added acetic acid (1.62 g, 27.0 mmol). The solution quickly changed from red to brown. After 2 h, all solvents and excess acetic acid were removed and the residue was dried to constant weight under vacuum, quantitatively affording a brown powder. ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂, 400 MHz) δ 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.43 (br, 2H), 7.34 (d, ⁴J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (d, ⁴J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.14 (s, 1H), 4.16 (m, 1H), 3.22 (M, 1H), 2.81 (M. 1H), 2.74 (M, 1H), 2.00 (M, 2H), 1.96 (br, 1H), 1.89 (br, 2H), 1.73 (M, 1H), 1.53 (s, 3H), 1.48 (s, 9H), 1.24 (s, 91-1).

Working Example II Synthesis of (VII) Where R is H, [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoOAc]

(R,R)—N,N′-Bis(3-tert-butyl-salicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine, [(R,R)-(salen-7)H₂] was prepared as described in Pospisil, P. J., et al., Chem. Eur. J. 2, 974-980 (1996).

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt, [(R,R)-(salen-7)Co] was prepared from [(R,R)-(salen-7)H₂] by a similar procedure to that used for [(salen-8)Co] in working Example I. The yield was 98%.

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diamino cycl ° hexane cobalt (III) acetate, [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoOAc] was prepared in similar fashion to [(R,R)-(salen-8)CoOAc] except only toluene was used as solvent. A dark brown powder was obtained quantitatively. ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂, 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (s, 1H), 7.42 (s, 1H), 7.28 (s, 2H), 7.20 (s, 2H), 6.62 (s, 1H), 6.43 (s, 1H), 4.39 (s, 1H), 3.38 (s, 1H), 2.84 (br, 2H), 1.77-2.20 (br M, 6H), 1.56 (br, 12H), 1.38 (s, 9H).

Working Example III Synthesis of (VII) Where R is Su and (VIII) Where X is OAc, [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOAc]

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt (III) acetate, [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOAc] is synthesized as described in Schaus, S. E., et al., J. Am. Chem. 124, 1307-1315 (2002) and Tokunaga, M., Science 277, 936-938 (1997). The material here was purchased from Strem.

Working Example IV Copolymerizations

Copolymerizations of propylene oxide (PO) and CO₂ were carried out as follows using [(R,R)-(salen-8)CoOAc], the product of Working Example I, [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoOAc], the product of Working Example II, [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOAc], the product of Working Example III, [Zn(BDI)OAc] prepared as described in Allen, S. D., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124, 14284-14285 (2002), Reference [14], and [Cr(salph)Cl] prepared as described in Darensbourg, D. J., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 125, 7586-7591 (2003), Reference [16]:

General PO/CO₂ copolymerization Procedure: A glass tube equipped with a stir bar was charged with catalyst, and then was inserted into a pre-dried 100 mL Parr autoclave. After the assembled autoclave was evacuated under vacuum and refilled with nitrogen for three times, PO was added through a valve using a syringe. The autoclave was brought to appropriate temperature, and then pressurized to the appropriate pressure with CO₂. After the allotted reaction time, the unreacted PO was recovered using vacuum transfer and analyzed by a chiral GC. A small amount of the residue was removed for ¹H NMR analysis. The crude polymer was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (10-20 mL), and then a small amount of MeOH was added. The polymer was precipitated from diethyl ether, collected by filtration and dried in vacuo to constant weight.

Conditions and results are set forth in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Carbonate Pressure Temp Time TOF^([b]) Selectivity Linkages Mn^([d]) PDI Entry^([a]) Catalyst Epoxide [PO]:[Cat] (psi) (° C.) (h) (h⁻¹) (% PPC)^([c]) (%)^([c]) (g/mol) (M_(w)/M_(n))  1 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 500 800 25 3 81 >99 95 15 300   1.22 8)CoOAc]  2 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 500 600 25 3 19 >99 94 3100 2.60 8)CoOAc]  3 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 500 800 40 3 17 >99 90 5600 1.21 8)CoOAc]  4 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 500 800 30 3 69 >99 94 12 200   1.26 8)CoOAc]  5 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 500 800 20 3 42 >99 95 8000 1.44 8)CoOAc]  6 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 500 800 15 3 31 >99 95 7600 1.51 8)CoOAc]  7 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 200 800 25 3 51 >99 95 8200 1.25 8)CoOAc]  8 [(R,RHsalen- rac-PO 2000 800 25 8 38 >99 95 21 700   1.41 8)CoOAc]  9 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 200 800 25 3 51 >99 96 6600 1.21 7)CoOAc] 10 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 500 800 25 3 66 >99 96 9000 1.31 7)CoOAc] 11 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 200 800 25 3 42 >99 99 5700 1.28 1)CoOAc] 12 [(R,R)-(salen- rac-PO 500 800 25 3 59 >99 99 8100 1.57 1)CoOAc] 13 [(R,R)-(salen- (S)-PO 500 800 25 3 71 >99 99 6900 1.58 1)CoOAc] 14^([e]) [Zn(BDI)OAc] rac-PO 2000 300 25 2 184 87 99 35 900   1.11 15^([f]) [Cr(salph)Cl] rac-PO 1500 490 75 4 160 71 98 16 700   1.38 All of the polymerizations were carried out in 3.5 mL of neat propylene oxide (PO). ^([b])Turnover frequency of PO to PPC. ^([c])Determined by using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. ^([d])Determined by gel permeation chromatography in tetrahydrofuran at 40° C., calibrated with polystyrene standards. ^([e])Reference [14]. ^([f])Reference [16].

As indicated by the percent selectivity (% PPC) for entries 1-13 of Table 1, cyclic propylene carbonate was not formed. [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOAc] was found to be highly regioselective with 80% head to tail linkages. In contrast, the catalysts [(R,R)-(salen-8)CoOAc], [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoOAc] and [Zn (BDI) OAc] gave typical regioselectivities of 70, 75 and 60%, respectively.

Polymerization of (S)-propylene oxide with enantiomerically pure [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOAc], entry 13 in Table 1, yielded isotactic (S) polymer with head-to-tail content of 93%.

Working Example V Synthesis of (VIII) Where X is II[(R,R)-(salen-1)CoI]

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt [(R,R)-(salen-1)Co] was purchased from Aldrich and recrystallized from methylene chloride and methanol.

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt (III) iodide, [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoI] is synthesized as described in Nielsen, L. P. C.; Stevenson, C. P.; Blackmond, D. G.; Jacobsen, E. N. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 1360-1362 with the substitution of NaI for NaCl. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.32 (s, 18H) 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.76 (s, 18H), 1.91 (m, 2H), 2.02 (m, 2H), 3.10 (m, 2H), 3.66 (m, 2H), 7.45 (d, ⁴J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, ⁴J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 24.23, 29.54, 30.36, 31.49, 33.47, 35.71, 69.22, 118.59, 128.63, 129.16, 135.82, 141.74, 161.95, 164.49. Anal. Calcd for C₃₆H₅₂N₂O₂CoI: C, 59.18; H, 7.17; N, 3.83. Found: C, 59.14; H, 7.05; N, 3.75.

Working Example VI Synthesis of (VIII) Where X is Br [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoBr]

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl salicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt [(R,R)-(salen-1)Co] was purchased from Aldrich and recrystallized from methylene chloride and methanol.

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt (III) bromide, [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoBr] is synthesized as described in Nielsen, L. P. C.; Stevenson, C. P.; Blackmond, D. G.; Jacobsen, E. N. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 1360-1362 with the substitution of NaBr for NaCl. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.30 (s, 18H), 1.58 (m, 2H), 1.74 (s, 18H), 1.92 (m, 2H), 2.00 (m, 2H), 3.06 (m, 2H), 3.59 (m, 2H), 7.44 (d, ⁴J=3.0 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, ⁴J=3.0 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 24.32, 29.57, 30.43, 31.55, 33.58, 35.82, 69.32, 118.61, 128.78, 129.28, 135.87, 141.84, 162.11, 164.66. Anal. Calcd for C₃₆H₅₂N₂O₂CoBr: C, 63.25; H, 7.67; N, 4.10. Found: C, 63.05; H, 7.69; N, 4.06.

Working Example VII Synthesis of (VIII) Where X is Cl [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoCl]

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt (III) chloride, [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoCl] was prepared as previously described in Nielsen, L. P. C.; Stevenson, C. P.; Blackmond, D. G.; Jacobsen, E. N. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 1360-1362. Additional characterization: ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 24.34, 29.51, 30.40, 31.56, 33.51, 35.78, 69.27, 118.58, 128.78, 129.28, 135.86, 141.84, 162.08, 164.68.

Working Example VIII Synthesis of (VIII) where X is OBzF₅-[(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOBzF₅]

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt [(R,R)-(salen-1)Co] was purchased from Aldrich and recrystallized from methylene chloride and methanol.

[(R,R)-(salen-1)Co] (1.2 g, 2.0 mmol) and pentafluorobenzoic acid (0.42 g, 2.0 mmol) were added to a 50 mL round-bottomed flask charged with a Teflon stir bar. Toluene (20 mL) was added to the reaction mixture, and it was stirred open to air at 22° C. for 12 h. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation at 22° C., and the solid was suspended in 200 mL of pentane and filtered. The dark green crude material was dried in vacuo and collected in quantitative yield. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.30 (s, 18H), 1.59 (m, 2H), 1.74 (s, 18H), 1.90 (m, 2H), 2.00 (m, 2H), 3.07 (m, 2H), 3.60 (m, 2H), 7.44 (d, ⁴J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, ⁴J=3.0 Hz, 2H), 7.81 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 24.39, 29.61, 30.13, 30.42, 31.55, 33.57, 35.83, 69.38, 118.59, 128.78, 129.29, 135.86, 141.83, 162.21, 164.66. Carbons on the phenyl group of pentafluorobenzoate were not assigned in the ¹³C NMR spectrum owing to complex carbon fluorine splitting patterns. ¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ −163.32 (m), −162.50 (m), −144.48 (m). Anal. Calcd for C₄₃H₅₂O₄N₂F₅Co.H₂O: C, 62.01; H, 6.54; N, 3.36. Found: C, 62.25; H, 6.38; N, 3.42.

Working Example IX Synthesis of (IX) Where R¹¹ is ^(t)Bu and R¹⁰ is H [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoBr]

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt [(R,R)-(salen-7)Co] is synthesized as described in Sun, W.; Xia, C.-G.; Zhao, P.-Q. J Mol Catal A: Chem 2002, 184, 51.

(R,R)—N,N′-bis(3-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt (III) bromide [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoBr] was prepared as follows: [(R,R)-(Salen-7)Co] (470 mg, 0.96 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (190 mg, 1.0 mmol) were added to a 50 mL round-bottomed flask with a Teflon stir bar, and 10 mL of methylene chloride was added. The mixture was stirred open to air for 1 h at 22° C., and the methylene chloride was removed in vacuo. The solid was suspended in pentane and filtered to afford the intermediate [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoOTs] (OTs=tosylate). This solid was dissolved in 25 mL of methylene chloride and added to a 100 mL separatory funnel. The organic layer was rinsed with saturated aqueous NaBr (3×25 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and dried in vacuo. The crude material was suspended in pentane and filtered to afford the solid [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoBr] (210 mg, 38%). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.59 (m, 2H), 1.73 (s, 18H), 1.90 (m, 2H), 2.01 (m, 2H), 3.06 (m, 2H), 3.60 (m, 2H), 6.59 (t, ³J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, ³J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, ³J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.87 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 24.18, 29.49, 30.31, 35.62, 69.33, 114.47, 119.19, 131.17, 133.83, 142.49, 164.19, 164.37.

Working Example X Synthesis of (IX) Where R¹¹ is ^(t)Bu and R¹⁰ is Br [(R,R)-(salen-8)CoBr]

The procedure for the synthesis of [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoBr] was applied to the synthesis of (R,R)—N,N′-bis(5-bromo-3-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-di amino cyclohexane cobalt (III) bromide (R,R)-(salen-8)CoBr; however, [(R,R)-(salen-8)Co] (synthesis described above) (360 mg, 0.56 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (110 mg, 0.60 mmol) were stirred for 12 h in methylene chloride (10 mL). Following the salt metathesis with NaBr, the product (R,R)-(salen-8)CoBr was obtained (180 mg, 44%). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.59 (m, 2H), 1.71 (s, 18H), 1.88 (m, 2H), 2.00 (m, 2H), 3.04 (m, 2H), 3.61 (m, 2H), 7.37 (d, ⁴J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 7.80 (d, ⁴J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 7.96 (s, 21-1). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 24.06, 29.51, 29.85, 35.78, 69.55, 104.97, 120.73, 133.45, 135.04, 145.16, 163.19, 164.22.

Working Example XI Synthesis of (IX) Where R¹¹ is Me and R¹⁰ is H [(R,R)-(salen-10)CoBr]

(R,R)—N,N′-Bis(3-methylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt [(R,R)-(salen-10)Co] is synthesized as described in Szlyk, E.; Surdykowski, A.; Barwiolek, M.; Larsen, E. Polyhedron 2002, 21, 2711.

The procedure for the synthesis of [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoBr] was applied to the synthesis of (R,R)—N,N′-bis(3-methylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt (III) bromide [(R,R)-(salen-10)CoBr], however; [(R,R)-(salen-10)Co](210 mg, 0.52 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (100 mg, 0.53 mmol) were stirred for 2 h in methylene chloride (20 mL). An excess of methylene chloride (200 mL) was used in the salt metathesis with NaBr in order to dissolve all of the [(R,R)-(salen-10)CoOTs] intermediate. Following this reaction, the product [(R,R)-(salen-10)CoBr] was obtained (170 mg, 67%). NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.57 (m, 2H), 1.86 (m, 2H), 1.99 (m, 2H), 2.64 (s, 6H), 3.05 (m, 2H), 3.63 (m, 2H), 6.58 (t, ³J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, ³J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, ³J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 8.02 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 17.12, 24.17, 29.45, 69.60, 114.57, 117.89, 130.68, 132.86, 134.36, 163.32, 164.13.

Working Example XII Synthesis of (IX) Where R¹¹ is CPh (CH₃)₂ and R¹⁰ is CPh (CH₃)₂ [(R,R)-(salen-11)CoBr]

3,5-Bis(α,α′-dimethylbenzyl)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde was synthesized as described in A. E. Cheman, E. B. Lobkovsky and G. W. Coates, Macromolecules, 2005, 38, 6259-6268.

Synthesis of (R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-bis(α,α′-dimethylbenzyl)salicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, [(R,R)-(salen-11)H₂]: (R,R)-1,2-Diaminocyclohexane-L-tartrate (0.74 g, 2.8 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.77 g, 5.6 mmol) were stirred in H₂O (8 mL) until all was dissolved. To it was added a solution of 3,5-bis(α,α′-dimethylbenzyl)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (2.0 g, 5.6 mmol) in ethyl alcohol (35 mL) and the mixture was refluxed for 3 h. The reaction mixture was then cooled to 22° C., filtered, and washed thoroughly with H₂O and then with cold ethyl alcohol. The crude yellow solid was dried and collected (1.8 g, 81%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ 1.29 (m, 2H), 1.52 (m, 2H), 1.59 (s, 6H), 1.67 (s, 12H), 1.68 (s, 6H), 1.73 (m, 4H), 3.11 (m, 2H), 6.94 (d, ⁴J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (it, ³J=7.0 Hz, ⁴J=1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.16-7.29 (m, 20H), 8.08 (s, 2H), 13.21 (broad s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ 24.31, 28.71, 30.38, 30.95, 31.04, 33.22, 42.25, 42.44, 72.25, 118.01, 125.11, 125.68, 125.70, 126.78, 127.74, 127.92, 128.11, 129.27, 135.82, 139.46, 150.64, 150.76, 157.77, 165.38. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd (C₅₆H₆₂N₂O₂+H⁺) 795.4890, found 795.4900.

Synthesis of (R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-bis(α,α′-dimethylbenzyl)salicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt, [(R,R)-(salen-11)Co]: [(R,R)-(salen-11)H₂] (0.69 g, 0.87 mmol) and cobalt acetate tetrahydrate (0.26 g, 1.0 mmol) were added to a Schlenk flask charged with a Teflon stir bar under N₂. A 1:1 mixture of toluene and methanol (30 mL); (degassed for 20 min by sparging with dry N₂) was added and stirred at 22° C. for 2 h. The resultant red precipitate was filtered in air and washed with distilled water (50 mL) and methanol (50 mL) and collected as a crude solid (0.59 g, 80%). JR (KBr, 766, 809, 1034, 1105, 1246, 1325, 1340, 1362, 1459, 1528, 1605, 2872, 2937, 2968, 3026, 3061, 3453. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd (C₅₆H₆₀CoN₂O₂) 851.3987, found 851.3972.

Synthesis of (R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-bis(α,α′-dimethylbenzyl)salicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane cobalt (III) bromide, [(R,R)-(salen-11)CoBr]: [(R,R)-(salen-11)Co] (0.50 g, 0.59 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.11 g, 0.59 mmol) were added to a 50 mL round bottomed flask charged with a Teflon stir bar. Methylene chloride (10 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 2 h open to air at 22° C. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation at 22° C., and the crude solid was washed with pentane (100 mL) and filtered. The crude material was dissolved in methylene chloride (25 mL) and added to a 125 mL separatory funnel. The organic layer was rinsed with saturated aqueous NaBr (3×25 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure. The solid was washed with pentane (100 mL) and filtered to afford [(R,R)-(salen-11)CoBr] (0.16 g, 29%).

Working Example XIII Synthesis of (X)—[(salen-6)CoBr]

N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminophenylene cobalt, [(salen-6)Co] is synthesized as described in H. Shimakoshi, H. Takemoto, I. Aritome and Y. Hisaeda, Tetrahedron Lett., 2002, 43, 4809-4812.

Employing the same reaction conditions as for [(R,R)-(salen-11)CoBr], [(salen-6)Co] (1.0 g, 1.7 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.32 g, 1.7 mmol) were used to produce N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminophenylene cobalt (III) bromide, [(salen-6)CoBr] (0.35 g, 30%). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.35 (s, 18H), 1.78 (s, 18H), 7.55 (d, ⁴J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (td, ³J=6.5 Hz, ⁴J=3.5 Hz, 2H), 7.66 (d, ⁴J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 8.63 (dd, ³J=6.5 Hz, ⁴J=3.5 Hz, 2H), 8.95 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 30.34, 31.34, 33.79, 36.01, 117.40, 117.45, 128.14, 129.97, 131.00, 136.59, 142.07, 144.72, 161.60, 165.59. HRMS (EI) m/z calcd (C₃₆H₄₆BrCoN₂O₂—Br) 597.2891, found 597.2878.

Working Example XIV Synthesis of (XI) Where R⁷ is Me, R⁸ is H and R⁹ is H [(R)-(salen-2)CoBr]

(R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl salicylidene)-1,2-diaminopropane [(R)-(salen-2)H₂] was synthesized as described in D. J. Darensbourg, R. M. Mackiewicz, J. L. Rodgers, C. C. Fang, D. R. Billodeaux and J. H. Reibenspies, Inorg. Chem., 2004, 43, 6024-6034.

(R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminopropane cobalt [(R)-(salen-2)Co] was synthesized as follows: Employing the same reaction conditions as for [R,R)-(salen-11)Co], [(R)-(salen-2)H₂] (2.8 g, 5.5 mmol) and cobalt acetate tetrahydrate (1.7 g, 6.8 mmol) in a 1:1 mixture of degassed toluene and methanol (150 mL) were used to afford a crude red solid (2.9 g, 95%). IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 787, 837, 874, 1179, 1204, 1255, 1320, 1361, 1385, 1466, 1528, 1596, 2871, 2909, 2956. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd (C₃₃H₄₈CoN₂O₂) 563.3048, found 563.3046.

(R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminopropane cobalt (III) bromide [(R)-(salen-2)CoBr] was synthesized as follows: [(R)-(salen-2)Co] (1.0 g, 1.8 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.34 g, 1.8 mmol) were added to a 50 mL round-bottomed flask charged with a Teflon stir bar. Methylene chloride (30 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 2 h open to air at 22° C. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation at 22° C., and the crude dark green solid was dissolved in pentane (50 mL) and filtered. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation, and the material was dissolved in methylene chloride (50 mL) and added to a 250 mL separatory funnel. The organic layer was shaken vigorously with saturated aqueous NaBr (3×50 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure. The solid was suspended in pentane and filtered to afford a crude black solid (0.50 g, 43%). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.30 (s, 18H), 1.61 (d, ³J=6.5 Hz, 3H), 1.73 (s, 18H), 3.86 (m, 1H), 4.21 (m, 1H), 4.32 (m, 1H), 7.33 (d, ⁴J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (d, ⁴J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (s, 1H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 18.45, 30.34, 30.38, 31.51, 31.54, 33.39, 33.43, 35.71, 35.73, 62.99, 64.57, 118.57, 118.88, 128.15, 128.67, 128.74, 128.82, 135.84, 136.01, 141.73, 142.01, 161.67, 161.94, 167.03, 168.55. HRMS (EI) m/z calcd. (C₃₃H₄₈BrCoN₂O₂—Br) 563.3048, found 563.3037.

Working Example XV Synthesis of (XI) Where R⁷, R⁸ and R⁹ are H [(salen-3)CoBr]

N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminoethane cobalt [(salen-3)Co] was synthesized as described in B. Rhodes, S. Rowling, P. Tidswell, S. Woodward and S. M. Brown, J Mol Catal A: Chem, 1997, 116, 375-384.

Synthesis of N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminoethane cobalt (III) bromide [(salen-3)CoBr]: Employing the same reaction conditions as for [(R,R)-(salen-2)CoBr], [(salen-3)Co] (0.30 g, 0.55 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.10 g, 0.55 mmol) were used. Following the salt metathesis with NaBr, the crude product [(salen-5)CoBr] was obtained (86 mg, 25%). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.30 (s, 18H), 1.73 (s, 18H), 4.14 (s, 4H), 7.31 (d, ⁴J=3.0 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, ⁴J=3.0 Hz, 2H), 8.12 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 30.36, 31.52, 33.43, 35.77, 58.24, 118.51, 128.27, 128.74, 135.93, 142.05, 162.13, 168.65. HRMS (ED m/z calcd (C₃₂H₄₆BrCoN₂O₂—Br) 549.2891, found 549.2885.

Working Example XVI Synthesis of (XI) Where R⁷ is Me, R⁸ is Me and R⁹ is H [(salen-4)CoBr]

Synthesis of N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-2-methyl-1,2-diaminopropane [(salen-4)H₂]: To a solution of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3.0 g, 13 mmol) in ethyl alcohol (60 mL) was added 2-methyl-1,2-propanediamine (0.67 mL, 6.4 mmol) and the mixture was refluxed for 3 h. The reaction was cooled to 22° C., and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude yellow solid was recrystallized from ethyl alcohol at −20° C. affording yellow needles (3.1 g, 93%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ 1.28 (s, 9H), 1.29 (s, 9H), 1.43 (s, 24H), 3.71 (s, 2H), 7.07 (d, ⁴J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (d, ⁴J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (d, ⁴J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, ⁴, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.39 (s, 1H) 13.67 (s, 1H), 14.21 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ 25.73, 29.60, 29.63, 31.63, 31.66, 34.26, 35.17, 35.19, 60.14, 70.71, 117.99, 118.08, 126.22, 126.35, 126.90, 127.18, 136.78, 136.80, 139.98, 140.12, 158.32, 158.52, 162.88, 167.78. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd (C₃₄H₅₂N₂O₂+H⁺) 521.4107, found 521.4110.

Synthesis of N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-2-methyl-1,2-diaminopropane cobalt [(Salen-4)Co]: [(Salen-4)H₂] (2.3 g, 4.4 mmol) and cobalt acetate tetrahydrate (1.3 g, 5.2 mmol) were added to a Schlenk flask charged with a Teflon stir bar under N₂. A 1:1 mixture of toluene and methanol (100 mL); (degassed for 20 min by sparging with dry N₂) was added and stirred at 22° C. for 2 h. The resultant red precipitate was filtered in air and washed with distilled water (50 mL) and methanol (50 mL) and collected as a crude solid (2.3 g, 90% yield). IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 786, 842, 871, 1178, 1255, 1318, 1363, 1390, 1464, 1528, 1595, 2870, 2909, 2959. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd (C₃₄H₅₀CoN₂O₂) 577.3204, found 577.3226.

Synthesis of N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-2-methyl-1,2-diaminopropane cobalt (III) bromide [(salen-4)CoBr]: [(salen-4)Co] (0.30 g, 0.52 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (99 mg, 0.52 mmol) were added to a 50 mL round-bottomed flask charged with a Teflon stir bar. Methylene chloride (30 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 2 h open to air at 22° C. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation at 22° C., and the crude dark green solid was dissolved in pentane (50 mL) and filtered. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation, and the material was dissolved in methylene chloride (50 mL) and added to a 250 mL separatory funnel. The organic layer was shaken vigorously with saturated aqueous NaBr (3×50 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure. The solid was suspended in pentane and filtered to afford a crude black solid (92 mg, 27%). NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.30 (s, 9H), 1.32 (s, 9H), 1.63 (s, 6H), 1.73 (s, 9H), 1.74 (s, 9H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 7.36 (d, ⁴J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (d, ⁴J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.475 (s, 1H), 7.482 (s, 1H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 27.10, 30.35, 31.28, 31.32, 31.55, 31.61, 33.43, 33.50, 35.72, 35.77, 66.98, 70.93, 118.36, 119.57, 128.05, 128.75, 128.98, 129.35, 135.85, 136.41, 141.42, 142.12, 161.11, 161.96, 166.31, 168.37. HRMS (EI) m/z calcd (C₃₄H₅₀BrCoN₂O₂—Br) 577.3204, found 577.3199.

Working Example XVII Synthesis of (XI) Where R⁷ is Ph, R⁸ is H and R⁹ is Ph, [(R,R)-(salen-5)CoBr]

The synthesis of (R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamino cobalt (II) [(R,R)-(salen-5)Co] is described in T. Fukuda and T. Katsuki, Tetrahedron, 1997, 53, 7201-7208.

Synthesis of (R,R)—N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamino cobalt (III) bromide [(R,R)-(salen-5)CoBr]: [(R,R)-(salen-5)Co] (0.25 g, 0.36 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (68 mg, 0.36 mmol) were added to a 50 mL round bottomed flask charged with a Teflon stir bar. Methylene chloride (10 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 2 h open to air at 22° C. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation at 22° C., and the crude solid was washed with pentane (100 mL) and filtered. The crude material was dissolved in methylene chloride (25 mL) and added to a 125 mL separatory funnel. The organic layer was rinsed with saturated aqueous NaBr (3×25 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure. The solid was washed with pentane (100 mL) and filtered to afford (R,R)-(salen-5)CoBr (0.12 g, 43%). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ 1.22 (s, 18H), 1.76 (s, 18H), 5.62 (s, 2H), 6.97 (s, 2H), 7.23 (s, 2H), 7.41-7.48 (m, 12H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ 30.37, 31.35, 33.31, 35.73, 76.61, 117.64, 128.48, 129.18, 129.90, 134.93, 136.07, 142.02, 162.31, 166.50. HRMS (EI) m/z calcd. (C₄₄H₅₄BrCoN₂O₂—Br) 701.3517 found 701.3502.

Working Example XVII Application of [PPN]Cl, [PPh₄]Cl, [PPh₄Br], [NBu₄Cl]

Bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium chloride ([PPN]Cl), tetraphenylphosphonium chloride [PPh₄Cl], tetraphenylphosphonium chloride [PPh₄Cl] were purchased from commercial sources and recrystallized from dry methylene chloride and diethyl ether under nitrogen before use. Tetrabutylamonium chloride [NBu₄]Cl was purchased from commercial sources and used as received. The synthesis of bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium tetraphenyl borate [PPN][BPh₄] is described in Reibenspies, J. H. Z. Kristallogr. 1994, 209, 620-621. Prakash, H.; Sisler, H. H. Inorg. Chem. 1968, 7, 2200-2203.

Working Example XIX Synthesis of [PPN][OBzF₅]

Synthesis of bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium pentafluorobenzoate ([PPN][OBzF₅]): NaOH (0.19 g, 4.7 mmol) and pentafluorobenzoic acid (1.0 g, 4.7 mmol) were added to a 50 mL round-bottomed flask charged with a Teflon stir bar. Distilled H₂O (20 mL) was added to the reaction mixture, and it was stirred until all was dissolved. The solution was added to a 250 mL separatory funnel along with [PPN]Cl (0.40 g, 0.70 mmol) and methylene chloride (40 mL), and the mixture was shaken vigorously for 10 min. The organic layer was collected and dried by rotary evaporation to yield crude [PPN][OBzF₅] in quantitative yield. Precipitation from dry methylene chloride and diethyl ether under N₂ at −20° C. afforded a white powder (0.35 g, 67%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ 7.39-7.46 (m, 24H), 7.60-7.63 (m, 6H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): 6116.93, 126.91 (dd, ¹J_(P-C)=108.0 Hz, ³J_(P-C)=1.5 Hz), 129.55 (m), 132.02 (m), 133.88, 137.07 (d of m, ¹J_(F-C)=255.5 Hz), 139.92 (d of m, ¹J_(F-C)=250.3 Hz), 143.24 (d of m, ¹J_(F-C)=247.3 Hz), 161.21. ¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃): δ-164.64 (m), −159.92 (broad s), −142.52 (m). Anal. Calcd for C₄₃H₃₀F₅NO₂P₂: C, 68.89; H, 4.03; N, 1.87. Found: C, 69.07; H, 3.95; N, 1.83.

Working Example XX Copolymers Made Using [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoI] and [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOAc]

Copolymerizations were carried out with conditions and results set forth in Table 2 below:

TABLE 2 Theoretical Reaction Time Yield^(b) TOF^(c) M_(n) ^(d) M_(n) ^(e) Head-to-Tail Entry Complex Conditions (h) (%) (h⁻¹) (kg/mol) (kg/mol) M_(w)/M_(n) ^(e) Linkages^(f) (%) 1 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoI] air-free 5 43 43 21.9 19.6 1.15 79 2 (R,R-(salen-1)CoI ambient 5 37 37 18.9 9.5 1.33 81 3 (R,R)-(salen- air-free 2 30 74 15.1 15.5 1.16 83 1)CoOAc 4 (R,R)-(salen- ambient 2 25 62 12.7 10.4 1.31 83 1)CoOAc ^(a)Polymerizations run in neat rac-propylene oxide (PO) with [PO]/[Co] = 500:1 at 22° C. with 800 psi of CO₂. Selectivity for poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) over propylene carbonate was >99% in all cases. All product PPC contains ≧96% carbonate linkages as determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. ^(b)Based on isolated polymer yield. ^(c)Turnover frequency (TOF) = mol PO · mol Co⁻¹ · h⁻¹. ^(d)Theoretical number average molecular weight (M_(n)) = TOF · h · 102 g/mol. ^(e)Determined by gel permeation chromatography calibrated with polystyrene standards in THF. ^(f)Determined by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy.

As shown in Table 2, the runs in an inert atmosphere (entries 1 and 3) gave higher M_(n), and lower PDI than the same reactions carried out in air (entries 2 and 4).

Working Example XXI Copolymerizations Using [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoI], (R,R)-(salen-1)CoBr], [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoCl], [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOAc] and [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOBzF₅]

Copolymerizations were carried out with conditions and results set forth in Table 3 below:

TABLE 3 Yield^(b) TOF^(c) M_(n) ^(d) Head-to-Tail Entry Complex (%) (h⁻¹) (kg/mol) M_(w)/M_(n) ^(d) Linkages^(e) (%) 1 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOAc] 30 75 15.5 1.16 83 2 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoBzF₅] 32 80 14.1 1.22 82 3 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoCl] 26 65 13.4 1.19 82 4 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoBr] 36 90 21.0 1.14 82 5 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoI] 13 32 10.4 1.17 85 6 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoI] + 28 70 16.2 1.24 81 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoBr] (50:1) ^(a)Polymerizations run in neat rac-propylene oxide (PO) with [PO]/[Co] = 500:1 at 22° C. with 800 psi of CO₂ for 2 h. Selectivity for poly(propylene carbonate (PPC) over propylene carbonate was >99% in all cases. All product PPC contains ≧92% carbonate linkages as determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. ^(b)Based on isolated polymer yield. ^(c)Turnover frequency (TOF) = mol PO · mol Co⁻¹ · h⁻¹. ^(d)Determined by gel permeation chromatography calibrated with polystyrene standards in THF. ^(e)Determined by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. [OBzF₅] = pentafluorobenzoate.

As shown in Table 3, all the initiating groups tested, gave high molecular weight polycarbonate with narrow molecular weight distributions. Complex [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoI] provided the lowest TOF whereas complex [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoBr] provided the highest TOF.

Working Example XXII Using [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoBr] and Varying Reaction Conditions

Copolymerizations were carried out with conditions and results set forth in Table 4 below:

TABLE 4 carbonate time yield TOF^(b) selectivity^(c) linkages^(c) M_(n) ^(d) head to tail^(e) entry (h) (%) (h⁻¹) (% PPC) (%) (kg/mol) PDI (%) 1 1 20% 99 >99:1 98% 12.6 1.07 82% 2 2 36% 89 >99:1 97% 21.0 1.14 82% 3 3 38% 62 >99:1 97% 20.2 1.15 81% 4^(f) 8 19% 47 >99:1 97% 16.6 1.18 81% 5^(g) 10 12% 6 >99:1 91% 7.2 1.15 85% 6^(h) 2 49% 121 >99:1 20.1 1.21 Reaction conditions: 800 psi CO₂, 22° C., 1 mL of near rac-PO, [PO]/[Co] = 500. ^(b)Turnover frequency = (mol PO/(mol Zn · h)). ^(c)Determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. ^(d)Determined by gel permeation chromatography in tetrahydrofuran at 40° C. relative to polystyrene standards. ^(e)Determined by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. ^(f)[PO]/[Co] = 2000. ^(g)0° C. ^(h)S-PO was used instead of rac-PO.

As shown in Table 4, increasing the time of polymerization increases molecular weight while slightly decreasing activities (entries 1-3) while more dilute reaction conditions decrease the catalyst activity (entry 4) as does lowering the reaction temperature to 0° C. (entry 5). As indicated by comparison of entries 2 and 6, the activity is enhanced if enantiomerically pure S—PO is used instead of racemic PO.

Working Example XXIII

Effect of Change of Catalyst Backbone on Copolymerizations

Copolymerizations were carried out with conditions and results set forth in Table 5 below:

TABLE 5 Yield TOF Carbonate M_(n) Head-to-Tail Entry Catalyst (%)^(b) (h⁻¹)^(c) Linkages (%)^(d) (kg/mol)^(e) M_(w)/_(n) ^(e) Linkages (%)^(f)  1 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoBr] 38 63 97 20.2 1.15 81  2 [CK)-(salen-2)CoBr] 32 53 97 13.9 1.18 82  3^(g) [(salen-3)CoBr] 0 0 NA NA NA NA  4 [(salen-4)CoBr] 38 63 >99 21.1 1.16 85  5 [(R,R)-(salen-5)CoBr] 12 20 99 10.1 1.14 76  6 [(salen-6)CoBr] 14 23 89 11.3 1.29 79  7 [(R,R)-(salen-7)CoBr] 33 55 96 15.2 1.13 76  8 [(R,R)-(salen-8)CoBr] 43 72 94 35.8 1.15 70  9^(g) [(R,R)-(salen-9)CoBr] 0 0 NA NA NA NA 10 [(R,R)-(salen-10)CoBr] 8 13 69 4.5 1.12 80 11 [(R,R)-(salen-11)CoBr] 11 18 >99 9.1 1.13 89 ^(a)Copolymerizations were run in neat rac-propylene oxide (PO) with [PO]:[Co] = 500:1 at 22° C. with 800 psi of CO₂ for 3 h. Selectivity for poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) over propylene carbonate was >99:1 for entries 1-10, and 97:3 for entry 11. ^(b)Based on isolated PPC yield. ^(c)Turnover frequency for PPC (mol PO · (mol Co)⁻¹ · h⁻¹). ^(d)Determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. ^(e)Determined by GPC. ^(f)Determined by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. ^(g)

indicates data missing or illegible when filed

Entries 1 and 4 produced the best results.

Working Example XXIV Effect of Different Relative Levels of PPNCl Co-catalyst on Copolymerization Results

Copolymerizations were carried out with variations and results as set forth in Tables 6 and 7 below:

TABLE 6 Yield^(b) TOF^(c) Selectivity^(d) M_(n) ^(e) Head-to-Tail Entry Complex (%) (h⁻¹) (% PPC) (kg/mol) M_(w)/M_(n) ^(e) Linkages^(f) (%) 1 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOAc] 11 110 86 7.9 1.15 93 2 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOBzF₅] 52 520 >99 43.0 1.10 93 3 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoCl] 43 430 >99 35.4 1.09 95 4 [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoBr] 46 460 89 33.2 1.09 95 ^(a)Polymerizations run in neat rac-propylene oxide (PO) with [PO]:[[PPN]Cl]:[Co] = 2000:1:1 at 22° C. with 200 psi of CO₂ for 2 h. All product poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) contains ≧98% carbonate linkages as determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. ^(b)Based on isolated polymer yield. ^(c)Turnover frequency = mol PO · mol Co⁻¹ · h⁻¹. ^(d)Selectivity for PPC over propylene carbonate. ^(e)Determined by gel permeation chromatography calibrated with polystyrene standards in THF. ^(f)Determined by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. [PPN] = bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium. [OBzF₅] = pentafluorobenzoate.

TABLE 7 PO:[PPN]Cl: [(R,R)-(salen- Time Yield^(b) TOF^(c) Selectivity^(d) M_(n) ^(e) Head-to-Tail Entry 1)CoOBzF₅] (h) (%) (h⁻¹) (% PPC) (kg/mol) M_(w)/M_(n) ^(e) Linkages^(f) (%) 1 2000:1:1 1 31 640 99 26.8 1.13 94 2 2000:1:1 2 52 520 >99 43.0 1.10 93 3 2000:1:1 6 59 200 56 41.4 1.36 93 4 2000:2:1 2 53 530 97 33.9 1.08 93 5 2000:0.5:1 2 36 360 >99 46.3 1.07 94 ^(a)Polymerizations run in neat rac-propylene oxide (PO) at 22° C. with 200 psi of CO₂. All product poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) contains ≧98% carbonate linkages as determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. ^(b)Based on isolated polymer yield. ^(c)Turnover frequency = mol PO · mol Co⁻¹ · h⁻¹. ^(d)Selectivity for PPC over propylene carbonate. ^(e)Determined by gel permeation chromatography calibrated with polystyrene standards in THF. ^(f)Determined by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. [PPN] = bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium. [OBzF₅] =

Working Example XXV Effect of Cocatalyst

Copolymerizations were carried out with variations in catalyst and co-catalyst with results as set forth in Table 8 below:

TABLE 8 Time Yield TOF Selectivity M_(n) Head-to-Tail Entry^(a) Cocatalyst (h) (%)^(b) (h⁻¹)^(c) PPC:PC^(d) (kg/mol) M_(w)/M_(n) Linkages (%) 1 None 24 trace NA NA NA NA NA 2 [PPN][BPh₄] 24 trace NA NA NA NA NA 3 [PPN]Cl 0.5 30 600  99:1 9.8 1.18 94 4 [PPN][OBzF₅] 0.5 36 720 >99:1 15.9 1.16 94 5 [PPh₄]Br 0.5 24 480  96:4 6 [PPh₄]Cl 0.5 25 550  97:3 8.6 1.19 94 7 [n-Bu₄N]Cl 2 29 150 >99:1 6.6 1.15 93 8 N(CH₂CH₃)₃ 2 38 190 >99:1 18.5 1.17 9 N((CH₂)₇CH₃)₃ 2 35 175 >99:1 18.1 1.14 93 ^(a)Polymerizations run with catalyst [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOBzF₅] in neat rac-PO with [PO]:[Co]:[cocatalyst] = 1000:1:1 at 22° C. with 100 psi of CO₂. ^(b)based on isolated PPC yield. ^(c)TOF for PPC. ^(d)Selectivity for PPC over PC. ^(e)[PO]:[Co]:[cocatalyst] = 2000:1:1. ^(f)[PO]:[Co]:[cocatalyst] = 500:1:1.

Working Example XXVI Copolymerization at 10 psi of CO₂

The [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOBzF₅/[PPN]Cl catalyzed PO/CO₂ copolymerization carried out at 10 psi resulted in a TOF of 160 h⁻¹, affording 32% yield of PPC.

Working Example XXVII

Use of R₁ substituted ethylene oxides in the copolymerization using [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOBzF₅]/[PPN]Cl

TABLE 9 Carbonate Time Yield^(b) Polymer: TOF^(d) Linkages^(e) M_(n) ^(f) Head-to-Tail Entry R₁ (h) (%) Cyclic^(c) (h⁻¹) (%) (kg/mol) M_(w)/M_(n) ^(f) Linkages^(g) (%) 1 CH₂OCH₃ 6 56 85:15 93 4.7 1.42 2 CH₂OPh 8 40 92:8 50 13.1 1.19 3 CH₂OSi^(t)Bu(CH₃)₂ 50 90 81:19 2 45.4 1.15 87 4^(h) CH═CH₂ 48 58 91:9 24 >99 44.8 1.15 52 5^(i) CH₂CH₃ 2 39 95:5 194 98 24.1 1.15 >99 6 CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃ 6 58 74:26 97 94 20.7 1.22 7 H 2 80 99:1 400 80 32.1 1.18 NA ^(a)All reactions were performed in neat rac-epoxide with catalyst [(R,R)-(salen-1)CoOBzF₅] and cocatalyst [PPN]Cl with [epoxide]:[Co]:[[PPN]Cl] = 1000:1:1 at 22° C. with 100 psi of CO₂ unless otherwise noted. ^(b)Based on total polymer + cyclic carbonate.

Variations

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented describing certain operable and preferred embodiments. It is not intended that the invention should be so limited since variations and modifications thereof will be obvious to the skilled in the art, all of which are within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. Compound having the structure

where X is OBzF₅.
 2. Compound having the structure

where R¹¹ is ^(t)Bu and R¹⁰ is selected from the group consisting of H, Br and OMe; R¹¹ is Me and R¹⁰ is H; or R¹¹ is CPh(CH₃)₂ and R¹⁰ is CPh(CH₃)₂.
 3. Compound which is


4. Compound having the structure

where R⁷ is Me, R⁸ is H and R⁹ is H; or where R⁷ is Me, R⁸ is Me and R⁹ is H; or where R⁷ is Ph, R⁸ is H and R⁹ is Ph.
 5. A catalyst system for epoxide/CO₂ copolymerization comprising as a catalyst

R¹ is a hydrocarbon bridge which may be substituted with C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, halogen (e.g., Cl, Br, I), nitro, cyano or amine; where R², R³ and R⁴ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and C₁-C₂₀ fluorocarbon and where R¹ and R² or R² and R³ or R³ and R⁴ can form a phenyl ring which can substituted with H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl C₆-C₂₀ aryl substituted with C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, phenoxy, C₁-C₂₀ carboxylate, C₁-C₂₀ acyl, amino, C₁-C₂₀ fluoroalkyl, cyano, nitro and halogen (e.g., Cl, Br, I); and where X is any nucleophile which can ring open an epoxide; with the proviso that when X is Br and R¹ is ethyl and R³ and R⁴ form a phenyl ring, the substituent on the phenyl ring on the carbons which are not part of another ring are not all H; and when X is Br and R¹ is 1,2-cyclohexanediyl, and R³ and R⁴ form a phenyl ring, the substituent on carbon on the phenyl ring which is not part of another ring and is closest to —O— is not H; with the further proviso that X is not O₂CCCl₃ or a nitrophenol when R¹ is 1,2-cyclohexanediyl, and as a cocatalyst a salt which is bulky and non-coordinating where the cation is a phosphorus and/or nitrogen based cation of at least 50 g/mol, e.g., selected from the group consisting of [R₄N]⁺, [R₄P]⁺, [R₃P═N═PR₃]⁺ and [P(NR₃)₃]³⁺ where R is C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₂₀ alkoxy or a solid support and the anion is a nucleophile which can ring open an epoxide and the R groups can be the same or different.
 6. The catalyst system of claim 5 where the cocatalyst is a salt where the cation is:

and the anion is selected from the group consisting of Cl⁻ and OBzF₅ where OBzF₅ is 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzoate.
 7. The catalyst system of claim 6 where the catalyst has the structural formula (VIII) where X is OBzF₅ and the cocatalyst is PPNCl.
 8. The catalyst system of claim 6 where the catalyst has the structural formula (VIII) where X is Cl and the cocatalyst is [PPN][BzF₅].
 9. The catalyst system of claim 6 where the catalyst has the structural formula (VIII) where X is Cl and the cocatalyst is [PPN]Cl.
 10. The catalyst system of claim 6 where the cocatalyst is NBu₄Cl and the catalyst has the structural formula (VIII) where X is OBzF₅.
 11. The catalyst system of claim 6, the catalyst has the structural formula (XI) where R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are CPh(CH₃)₂ and the cocatalyst is [PPN]Cl.
 12. A method for preparing copolymers of C₂-C₁₀ alkylene oxide and CO₂, e.g., (poly(propylene carbonates)), with less than 10% cyclic alkylene carbonate by-product, comprising the step of reacting C₂-C₁₀ alkylene oxide and CO₂ at a CO₂ pressure ranging from 1 to 1,000 psi and reaction temperature of 0 to 150° C. and a time of 0.1 to 50 hours in the presence of a catalyst at an alkylene oxide to catalyst ratio on a cobalt basis ranging from 200:1 to 100,000:1, said catalyst having the structure

where R¹ is a hydrocarbon bridge which may be substituted with C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, halogen (e.g., Cl, Br, I), nitro, cyano or amine; where R², R³ and R⁴ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and C₁-C₂₀ fluorocarbon and where R¹ and R² or R² and R³ or R³ and R⁴ can form a phenyl ring which can substituted with H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl C₆-C₂₀ aryl substituted with C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy, phenoxy, C₁-C₂₀ carboxylate, C₁-C₂₀ acyl, amino, C₁-C₂₀ fluoroalkyl, cyano, nitro and halogen (e.g., Cl, Br, I); and where X is any nucleophile which can ring open an epoxide; with the proviso that when X is Br and R¹ is ethyl and R³ and R⁴ form a phenyl ring, the substituent on the phenyl ring on the carbons which are not part of another ring are not all H; and when X is Br and R¹ is 1,2-cyclohexanediyl, and R³ and R⁴ form a phenyl ring, the substituent on carbon on the phenyl ring which is not part of another ring and is closest to —O— is not H; with the further proviso that X is not O₂CCCl₃ or a nitrophenol when R¹ is 1,2-cyclohexanediyl.
 13. The method of claim 12 where the CO₂ pressure ranges from 750 to 850 psi, the reaction temperature ranges from 20 to 25° C., the reaction time ranges from 0.5 to 4 hours, the catalyst has the structure (VIII) where X is Br, Cl or OBzF₅ and the alkylene oxide to catalyst ratio, on a cobalt basis, ranges from 400:1 to 600:1.
 14. The method of claim 13 where the alkylene oxide is rac-propylene oxide.
 15. The method of claim 13 where the alkylene oxide is enantiomerically-enriched propylene oxide.
 16. A method for preparing poly(C₂-C₁₀ alkylene carbonate, e.g., poly(propylene carbonate), with less than 10% cyclic alkylene carbonate by-product, comprising the step of reacting C₂-C₁₀ alkylene oxide, e.g., propylene oxide, and CO₂ at a CO₂ pressure ranging from 10 psi to 300 psi, a reaction temperature of 20 to 25° C., a reaction time of 0.5 to 10 hours in the presence of the catalyst system of claim 5 where the ratio of alkylene oxide to cocatalyst to catalyst ranges from 500-100,000:0.5-1.5:0.5-1.5.
 17. The method of claim 16 where the cocatalyst of the catalyst system is selected from the group consisting of [PPN]Cl and [PPN][OBzF₅].
 18. The method of claim 17 where the catalyst has the structural formula (VIII) where X is Cl and the cocatalyst is [PPN][OBzF₅].
 19. Poly(propylene carbonate) of M_(n) ranging from 1,000 to 1,000,000 g/mol and PDI ranging from 1.05 to 5.0 with greater than 90% head-to-tail linkages.
 20. The poly(propylene carbonate) of claim 19 which has random stereochemistry.
 21. The poly(propylene carbonate) of claim 19 where more than 90% of adjacent stereocenters have the same relative stereochemistry.
 22. The poly(propylene carbonate) of claim 19 where more than 60% of adjacent stereocenters have the opposite relative stereochemistry
 23. Poly(propylene carbonate) of M_(n) ranging from 1,000 to 1,000,000 g/mol and PDI ranging from 1.05 to 5.0 where greater than 90% of the stereocenters are of the same stereochemistry.
 24. [PPN][OBzF₅]. 